Once settled in a job or house the Ox will quite happily remain there for many years. He does not like change and he is also not particularly keen on travel. He does, however, enjoy gardening and other outdoor pursuits and he will often spend much of his spare time out of doors. He is usually an excellent gardener and whenever possible will make sure he has a large area of ground to maintain. He usually prefers to live in the country rather than the town.
Due to his dedicated and dependable nature the Ox will usually do well in his chosen career, providing he is given enough freedom to act on his own initiative. He invariably does well in politics, agriculture and in careers that need specialized training. He is also very gifted artistically and many Oxen have enjoyed considerable success as musicians or composers.
The Ox is not as outgoing as some and it often takes him a long time to establish friendships and feel relaxed in another person’s company. His courtships are likely to be long, but once he is settled he will remain devoted and loyal to his partner. The Ox is particularly well suited to those born under the signs of the Rat, Rabbit, Snake and Rooster. He can also establish a good relationship with the Monkey, Dog, Pig and another Ox, but he will find that he has little in common with the whimsical and sensitive Goat. He will also find it difficult to get on with the Horse, Dragon and Tiger – the Ox prefers a quiet and peaceful existence and those born under these three signs tend to be a little too lively and impulsive for his liking.
The female Ox has a kind and caring nature, and her home and family are very much her pride and joy. She always tries to do her best for her partner and can be a most conscientious and loving parent. She is an excellent organizer and a very determined person who will often succeed in getting what she wants in life. She usually has a deep interest in the arts and is often a talented artist or musician.
The Ox is a very down to earth character. He is sincere, loyal and unpretentious. He can, however, be rather reserved and to some he may appear distant and aloof. He has a quiet nature, but underneath he is very strong willed and ambitious. He has the courage of his convictions and is often prepared to stand up for what he believes to be right, regardless of the consequences. He inspires confidence and trust and throughout his life he will rarely be short of people who are ready to support him.
THE FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OX
In addition to the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac there are five elements and these have a strengthening or moderating influence on the signs. The effects of the five elements on the Ox are described below, together with the years in which the elements were exercising their influence. Therefore those Oxen born in 1961 are Metal Oxen, those born in 1913 and 1973 are Water Oxen, and so on.
Metal Ox: 1961
This Ox is confident and very strong willed. He can be blunt and forthright in his views and is not afraid of speaking his mind. He sets about his objectives with a dogged determination, but he can become so involved in his various activities that he can be oblivious to the thoughts and feelings of those around him, and this can sometimes be to his detriment. He is honest and dependable and will never promise more than he can deliver. He has a good appreciation of the arts and usually has a small circle of very good and loyal friends.
Water Ox: 1913, 1973
This Ox has a sharp and penetrating mind. He is a good organizer and sets about his work in a methodical manner. He is not as narrow minded as some of the other types of Ox and is more willing to involve others in his plans and aspirations. He usually has very high moral standards and is often attracted to careers in public service. He is a good judge of character and has such a friendly and persuasive manner that he usually experiences little difficulty in securing his objectives. He is popular and has an excellent way with children.
Wood Ox: 1925, 1985
The Wood Ox conducts himself with an air of dignity and authority and will often take a leading role in any enterprise in which he becomes involved. He is very self confident and is direct in his dealings with others. He does, however, have a quick temper and has no hesitation in speaking his mind. He has tremendous drive and willpower and an extremely good memory. He is particularly loyal and devoted to the members of his family and has a most caring nature.
Fire Ox: 1937, 1997
The Fire Ox has a powerful and assertive personality and is a hard and conscientious worker. He holds strong views and has very little patience when things do not go his own way. He can also get carried away in the excitement of the moment and does not always take into account the views of those around him. He nevertheless has many leadership qualities and will often reach positions of power, eminence and wealth. He usually has a small group of loyal and close friends and is very devoted to his family.
Earth Ox: 1949, 2009
This Ox sets about everything he does in a sensible and level headed manner. He is ambitious but also realistic in his aims and is often prepared to work long hours in order to secure his objectives. He is shrewd in financial and business matters and is a very good judge of character. He has a quiet nature and is greatly admired for his sincerity and integrity. He is also very loyal to his family and friends and his views and opinions are often sought.
PROSPECTS FOR THE OX IN 2009
The Year of the Rat (7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009) will have been a constructive one for the Ox and he will be able to build on his achievements in his own year.
In the remaining months of the Rat year, the Ox should make the most of any chances to further his experience. Whether by taking on more responsibilities or changing his duties in some way, by showing initiative, he can do a lot to help his prospects. September and early December could see some interesting work developments.
As far as relations with others are concerned, however, the closing Rat months are a time for care. The determined Ox does like to hold sway and has a tendency to speak his mind. However, if he appears unaccommodating or speaks without consideration, tensions could arise. As the Chinese proverb reminds us, a word, once spoken, can’t be retrieved, and the Ox does need to think before he speaks. However, if he keeps this in mind and pays attention to the views of others, there will be many domestic and social occasions that will please him, with December and early January likely to be an active and meaningful time.
In view of the pressures the Ox will often be under, it is also important that he makes the most of his chances to relax and unwind. This could be by spending time on interests and recreational pursuits, but for many Oxen there will be chances to travel towards the end of the year. If the Ox receives an invitation to visit others or sees a travel opportunity that appeals to him, he should consider taking it up. A change of scene could do him considerable good.
Generally, the Ox can fare well in the closing Rat months and if he takes care with his relations with others and makes the most of his opportunities to develop his skills, what he accomplishes can pave the way for the more auspicious times that await in his own year.
The Year of the Ox begins on 26 January and the general nature of the year will suit the Ox. This is a year for steady growth and some pleasing personal developments.
One of the most promising areas of the Ox’s life concerns his relations with others, and whether spending time with family, enjoying romance or making new friends, many an Ox will find himself in demand and benefiting from the company of others. Those who have experienced problems or tensions in the Rat year will also find these can often be eased, with this being a more settled year.
The Ox’s home life is particularly well aspected and many